ITHACA, N.Y. — Originally built in 1832 to power mills, Ezra's Tunnel became a pathway to waterfalls for people to enjoy. 

However, after two students drowned, the most recent being in August, Ithaca's Common Council approved the University's proposal to close access to the tunnel with a gate.

One local resident says many people are upset about the plan and think there could be a better solution.

"They just love coming here," Steve Fairand, Ithaca resident. "Love being the word. It's part of nature, it's real, it's not a movie."

One council member expects the gate to be installed before spring.